Former Los Angeles Lakers Champion Makes European Debut at Age 40

Former Los Angeles Lakers champion Dwight Howard made his European basketball debut at age 40 for Black Fortress Tbilisi in Georgia on Friday. Playing 17 minutes, Howard recorded 12 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks while shooting 5-for-8 from the field. Despite his solid individual performance, Black Fortress Tbilisi suffered a 75-70 loss to BC Iverioni, dropping their record to 0-2 for the 2026-27 season.

Howard previously announced his retirement in March before choosing to resume his career overseas, having also played in Taiwan, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Mongolia. The former first overall draft pick last played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season with the Lakers, with whom he won an NBA championship in 2020.